Moonlight: Star of the Show (11 page)

The Pony Detectives' Guide to Tacking Up!

Before you begin, tie up your pony with a quick-release knot.

1
Put his saddle on (gently, so it doesn't flump down and startle him) then slide it back until it's in the right spot.

2
Check that the numnah, which sits under the saddle, isn't wrinkled – it's not very comfy for your pony.

3
Fasten the girth. Check it's nice and tight before and after you mount, or you might end up on the floor like Daisy!

4
Grab your bridle and stand next to your pony's head, facing forwards. Hold the bridle about halfway down in your right hand and rest that same hand on your pony's nose.

5
Use your left hand to guide the bit into your pony's mouth. Be careful not to clonk the metal bit on his teeth!

6
Slip the headpiece over your pony's ears. (You might have to stand on tiptoe!)

7
Do up the throat lash and then the noseband (8)

Alice's Guide to Jumps and Fences

Brush

A brush fence is made of rustic poles with upright twiggy bits.

Cross pole

The best fence to warm up over! Its higher sides encourage ponies to jump at the centre.

Upright

The upright has poles or planks positioned one above the other.

Wall

Gate

The wall and the gate are upright fences that don't use poles.

Parallel oxer

This is a spread fence, made up of two uprights of the same height placed close together.

Ascending oxer

The back upright on an ascending oxer is higher than the one at the front.

Triple bar

Scout's favourite! The poles in this spread fence get higher from the front to the back. Ponies can really stretch out over these.